Middlesbrough v Spurs Match Reports

Ref. : Mark Halsey (Bolton)
Linesmen : Mr. G. Brittain ; Mr. P. Canadine
Fourth official : N. Miller.

A well deserved draw from Spurs first away game of the season at The Riverside. The line up was the same as the opening Saturday. Middlesbrough had three home debutants in their side : Okon, Karembeu and Job. The Riverside is not like it used to be and some of the enthusiasm in this area seems to be waning judging by the empty seats. Not a particularly good atmosphere either apart from when the teams come out when the tannoy system blasts away. Middlesbrough is a depressing place and one wonders how long the likes of Karembeu and his other half will stay.

The Boro started the game at a hectic pace and pinned Spurs back for the first 20 minutes or so. They created a number of openings but the Spurs rearguard held firm and gradually the tide turned.

Thatcher galloped down the left and hit a sweet cross which Iversen headed just over. Then Carr bombed forward down the other wing cut in and saw his delicate lob clear the goalkeeper only to be headed off the line by a Boro defender. As Spurs domination grew the goal came. Rebrov from wide on the right hit a superb cross which Leonhardsen met on the run to glide past Schwarzer into the top corner of the net. An excellent goal created by the skills of Sergei.

Boro came out for the second half desperate for an equaliser. It came on the hour. Fleming broke down the right and hit a deep far post cross which found an unmarked Summerbell as the spare man. He headed firmly past Sullivan to level the scores.

Boro then seemed to run out of steam and it was Spurs who seemed the most likely to score a winner. Iversen had a couple of efforts which flew over the bar and a number of other chances went close. Iversen and Rebrov ran tirelessly for the team and Sergei was clearly feeling the effects when replaced by Ferdinand after 75 minutes. Les had an eventful time, scoring only to be adjudged offside and then taking two heavy challenges requiring attention but which he seemed to shake off (Yes – Les Ferdinand).

A solid performance which with a little good fortune could easily have resulted in a win. Still a point from the Riverside is welcome and saw Spurs move to share top spot in the Premier with Boro. For Spurs, Sullivan looked safe and was not intimidated by Messrs Deane and Ricard unlike Ian Walker last season. Thatcher, Campbell, Perry and Carr all played well. Freund worked hard in the middle but Sherwood looks a little off the pace and clearly needs a few games to get sharp. Leo scored a fine goal but it was Anderton who caught the eye with his excellent passing making Spurs tick.

It is also good to report that there was none of the nonsense, like that on display at Highbury the previous night which saw poor old Vieira get his second red card in two games. He’s on a hat trick! Well played Graham Poll!

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – DARREN ANDERTON.

Eric the Viking

Teams : –
Middlesbrough –  Mark Schwarzer, Curtis Fleming, Keith O’Neill, Steve Vickers, Gary Pallister, Mark Summerbell    23, Paul Okon   70, Christian Karembeu, Hamilton Ricard (Andy Campbell 85), Brian Deane, Joseph-Desire Job (Noel Whelan 88)
Subs not used – Stamp, Crossley, Gavin.
Tottenham Hotspur : –  Neil Sullivan, Stephen Carr, Ben Thatcher, Sol Campbell, Chris Perry, Tim Sherwood, Steffen Freund, Darren Anderton, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Sergei Rebrov (Les Ferdinand 76), Steffen Iversen  53.
Subs not used –  Ian Walker, Ramon Vega, Mauricio Taricco, Stephen Clemence
Ref. : Mr. P. Jones
Linesmen : Mr. A. J. Martin, Mr. P. Barnes
Fourth official : Steve Lodge
Attendance : –  31,254
Matchball sponsor : Cumbrian Industrials
Goalscorers :  –  Middlesbrough – Summerbell 59; Tottenham Hotspur – Leonhardsen 39

Having got wet before the match, the fact that the rain did not blow into the lower reaches of the East Stand was the only solace I got from the game.  It was another in the long line of depressingly disappointing games which Tottenham have churned out lately.  When the side can neither hold on to or build on a lead nor come from behind, then what is there to look forward to ?  These home games are the easy ones compared to our away programme, so the chances of anything above 10th will be a most unexpected bonus now.

The team saw Sol return, but not playing to his best form.  He looked out of sorts, Perry looked weighed down by a soaking wet shirt and Carr even managed to contrive an equaliser for our visitors.  When will our charitable donations cease – one goal and a pen against the Gooners; three goals tonight.  Have we taken a leaf out of Southampton’s book ? Freund had one of his less involved night’s, while Tano did well, until he had to defend or got in a position to cross with his left foot – something that this Premiership footballer seems completely unwilling to do.  The surprise of a quick cross was lost as he checked back onto his right almost every time.  The other midfield players were little better.  Dazza was showing flashes, but too often turned over possession to Boro without making them work for it, while David seemed intent on parading his repertoire of tricks until he realised that at 1-3, this was serious.  Even after his highly creditable solo goal, he went on one run across the pitch, lost the ball in front of the West Stand and was left standing there while Middlesbrough broke towards our goal.  Korsten … I will say as much about him as his performance on the pitch merited.  I could not understand why GG didn’t throw Etherington into the match at 1-3.  It would have been a chance for him to express himself without worrying about the result.  The match had been lost long before.

Iversen and Armstrong actually showed a glimmer of understanding for the first goal for  a change.  well constructed and well put away by Armo who was full of running although he got little support.  Steffen played a curious game but needs to get more involved to have a bearing on what the outcome of the match will be.  Then at the other end there is Walker.  He got tremendous stick after the third went in – an unmarked Ricard header from a Ziege free-kick, one he perhaps should have come for in hindsight (but where was the defence ? Iversen marking Ricard ? Why not Sol or Perry ?) and the second, which he flapped at with a forward right in front of him (just our luck it fell to Ricard right in front of goal though).  Funnily, all the groaning and moaning turned to cheers after Ginola got the goal that produced a hope at the end.  It was all too little too late, from the players and the crowd.  Boro are on a good run, but a better performance could have seen Spurs win this match.  They offered little apart from their three goals. I can only remember one Ince shot well saved by Walker and a couple of wayward shots.  Whereas there was a Ginola curler held at full length by Schwarzer, Carr’s free-kick near the end that went wide, another effort by the right back blocked in front of the goal, Armo’s far post header which the keeper pushed around the post, Vickers almost prodding past his own keeper and the two fiercely struck shots by Anderton (from distance) and Ginola from a very acute angle which both rocked the woodwork.

In truth, Boro deserved their win.  For all the possession and chances, this was a dull game for the majority of the time.  Too many mistakes all over the pitch by Tottenham and not enough urgency in all areas to make life hard for the North-East side.  Being live on Sky, I wasn’t hopeful that we would win, but then even I didn’t expect this.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – CHRIS ARMSTRONG (at least he did nothing wrong)

Pete Stachio

Teams : –
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr  , Chris Perry  , Mauricio Taricco, Darren Anderton, Steffen Freund, David Ginola  , Willem Korsten (Stephen Clemence 68), Chris Armstrong, Steffen Iversen.
Subs. not used : –
Middlesbrough : –  Mark Schwarzer, Curtis Fleming  , Steve Vickers, Colin Cooper, Paul Ince, Robbie Mustoe, Mark Summerbell, Christian Ziege, Andy Campbell, Brian Deane, Hamilton Ricard  .
Subs. not used : –
Ref. : –  Alan Wiley
Linesmen : –
Attendance : –  31,804

Three times we have been to the North East in the Premiership this season. Three times we have lost 2-1. Three times we have been outbattled by a home side showing more commitment and character. In all three matches we have conceded goals to crosses. Any predictions for the FA Cup replay at Newcastle? Will we break the run?

For this game George brought in Vega to give more height, and played with Young and Taricco ostensibly as wing backs.

The decision to play Vega paid early dividends. He went close on Spurs’ first attack. Then, in the 7th minute he rose in the centre of the goal to head a good goal from an excellent Ginola cross.

Middlesbrough were there for the taking. Their heads were down and the crowd were silent. When you are having a bad run like Middlesbrough the ideal team to play at home must surely be Tottenham. Spurs lack the killer instinct. They do not know how to kill sides off. They allow teams back into the game. That is exactly what happened here. Middlesbrough started to create one or two chances without troubling Walker. After 32 minutes Freund limped off to be replaced by Sherwood and then Juninho was allowed to play an excellent one-two with Ziege. The Spurs defence completely lost the German who smashed home the equaliser. This of course lifted the Riverside and Boro stormed forward. From another cross along the ground Ziege found himself 2 yards out, level with the post and unmarked. Taking the ball on his right foot he contrived to scoop it past the post. An incredible let off. Ginola was booked in the first half for a tackle, but incredibly the referee asked Ginola to turn around so he could check his name on the back of his shirt. It was a sign of the poor refereeing to come.

Ginola was replaced at half-time by Edinburgh, with Taricco moving into midfield.

Spurs continued to splutter along without really creating. Then came the turning point of the game. From a high hanging cross Ricard smashed in to Walker and flattened him. The referee refused to give a free kick despite protestations from the Spurs team. The Middlesbrough fans showed what they thought with a chant of ‘You’re just a town full of rent boys’. Presumably commenting on the ruggedness of the Spurs goalkeeper. Almost straight away a further deep cross was heaved into the Spurs box. Under a challenge from Ricard again, Walker missed the ball, Ricard headed back across goal and Deane hit home.

Juninho showed he still has much of his skill and one mazy run took him through the whole Spurs defence only for him to be thwarted by Walker. As a last ditch effort Vega was sent up front but to no avail.

The referee Steve Dunn had a strange game and managed to dish out 5 yellow cards to the Spurs team. In the final minute when common sense could have prevailed he gave Nielsen a second yellow for a fairly innocuous tackle and the Dane was dismissed. Spurs first red of the season!

Spurs are in a poor run in the league and are not playing well. They lack any sort of sharpness in and around the box. It’s hard to see it changing without some new blood which will clearly also lift the other players.

MEHSTG TOP MAN – NONE.

Teams : –
Middlesbrough : Mark Schwarzer, Robbie Stockdale, Keith O’Neill  , Steve Vickers  , Gianluca Festa, Neil Maddison, Juninho, Robbie Musto (c), Hamilton Ricard (Alun Armstrong 86), Brian Deane, Christian Ziege (Mark Summerbell 90)
Subs. : Marlon Beresford, Jason Gavin, Carlos Marinelli
Manager : – Bryan Robson
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Luke Young  , Mauricio Taricco  , Steffen Freund (Tim Sherwood 33  ), Sol Campbell (c), Chris Perry, Allan Nielsen  83        90, Ramon Vega, Chris Armstrong (Ruel Fox 82), Steffen Iversen, David Ginola  (Justin Edinburgh 46)
Subs. : –  Espen Baardsen, Jose Dominguez
Manager : – George Graham
Ref. : – Steve Dunn (Bristol)
Attendance : –  33,129.

Weather : Bitterly Cold
Goalscorers : Middlesbrough – Ziege 34 Deane 67; Vega 7

Eric the Viking

A record attendance at The Riverside Stadium (They have now filled the corners of the ground), but most went home disappointed. Spurs were the first away team to win a league match when this was a new venue. It looked early on as if there would be another Tottenham victory. The game was there for the taking but throughout the 90 minutes we never quite rose to the occasion to beat a poor Boro side coming into this game on the back of a 5-0 drubbing by Everton … yes Everton! Taricco started, in for Edinburgh. Sherwood returned for Nielsen. Within a couple of minutes Taricco had a glorious chance and saw his shot beat the keeper only to be cleared off the line ( just like Les last week). Spurs dominated , Boro rarely threatened. Vega hit the post with a good header from a Anderton corner. Boro left the field at half time with many of their fans booing.

The interval saw some abysmal ‘entertainment’ by a local folk singer. At least I think he was local and I think he was a singer. The Spurs fans joined in with ‘Kay sera sera” and chorused him from the field with ‘ Your s**t and you know you are’.

Spurs dominated throughout the second half. Armstrong on for a concussed Ferdinand almost scored with a far post header. Pity the Spurs fan who ran on the pitch to celebrate … only to be immediately arrested and see the ball in the side netting. As time ran out an excellent cross by Armstrong was met by both Ginola and Sherwood and the chance was missed. Ginola seemed to be having one of those days when he is determined to do it all himself. Mistakes followed and were greeted with cheers by the Boro fans who had taunted him all game.  There were 7 yellow cards – three for Spurs; Iversen, Carr & Vega. Gascoigne was applauded by the Spurs fans at the start and he played well, coming the closest to scoring after a jinking run. His ability to beat players and hit telling passes is still there, but he can not lose players and is looking slow and weary. His yellow card was after he had been easily caught and dispossessed by Carr, who he then fouled.  At the end of the day a point which could have been three if we had upped the tempo a bit.  Vega had a steady game, Freund worked hard as usual and Walker kept a clean sheet but most Spurs players were below par.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – SOL CAMPBELL (Coped easily with everything). 

Eric the Viking

Teams : –
Middlesbrough : –  Mark Schwarzer, Colin Cooper  , Steve Vickers, Gary Pallister, Robbie Stockdale  , Robbie Mustoe, Paul Gascoigne  , Andy Townsend  , Dean Gordon, Alan Moore (Hamilton Ricard 58), Mikkel Beck (Andy Campbell 75)
Subs not used: Beresford, Maddison, Kinder
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Stephen Carr  , Ramon Vega  , Sol Campbell, Mauricio Taricco, Darren Anderton, Tim Sherwood, Steffen Freund, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand (Chris Armstrong 46), Steffen Iversen 
Subs not used : – Espen Baardsen, Allan Nielsen, Andy Sinton, Luke Young
Ref. : – .
Attendance : –  34,687
Weather : – Bright with a cold wind.

It all seemed set fair for a third win in a row with Sol returning in place of Vega, but oops ! It all went wrong. Baardsen had already had to make an athletic save (similar to that in Wednesday night’s match) to prevent Townsend giving Boro the lead, before Ricard ran onto a ball that split the Tottenham defence and lashed it past the Norwegian. On the half hour, Beck set up Ricard who had turned Calderwood and although Espen got a hand to it, he could not keep it out. It was down to Baardsen that Spurs were not further goals behind and his presence is a source of comfort at such a testing time. Ralph Coates looked on form the Legends seating and must have wondered what he was seeing. The Boro players hungrily closed down any space Tottenham had and every time Ginola had the ball, two markers came along with it. For all his fancy footwork and flicks, today he could not get into a dangerous position to deliver the crosses to Les. Indeed, our players seemed to turn out without their brains for this match, lumping high balls for Pallister and Vickers to head away without too much trouble.

The game continued in the same vein in the second half, although Armstrong came on for Clemence and soon after Saib replaced Nielsen, who took two hefty blows in the “privates” (and unlike Bill Clinton, was unable to continue). The passing and movement so evident on Wednesday had disappeared and the team looked like strangers again. Boro were still finding plenty of room and ran at the Spurs defence pulling out three more sharp saves from Baardsen. Berti almost scrambled one in from a corner, but Schwarzer stopped it on the line. Ginola did float one cross onto Armo’s head, but he failed to make a proper contact and late in the game he also got on the end of a Saib cross, which came back off the post. But by then, Kinder’s long shot, following a half-cleared corner, slipped through Espen’s fingers (a la Clemence v Barcelona in 83) for the third. He was exempt from criticism however, as without him the margin would have been greater and better that he does it when we are 2-0 down than at a vital point in a game we might get something out of. How can four days change a team so much. These are the easy games we’re playing now. After mid-November, we come up against the big boys and things get tough. Points on the board are needed now, to store against a hard winter. Get to it boys !!

MEHSTG TOP MAN: ESPEN BAARDSEN

Teams : –
Spurs : – Espen Baardsen, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Paolo Tramezzani, Nicola Berti  , Stephen Clemence (Chris Armstrong 46), Ruel Fox (Andy Sinton 56), David Ginola  , Allan Nielsen (Moussa Saib 51), Les Ferdinand.
Middlesbrough : –  Mark Schwarzer, Gianluca Festa, Gary Pallister, Steve Vickers, Colin Cooper, Dean Gordon, Paul Gascoigne (Vladimir Kinder 85), Robbie Mustoe, Andy Townsend, Mikkel Beck (Andy Campbell 90), Hamilton Ricard (Marco Branca 67)
Unused subs. : –
Ref. : –
Attendance : – .

Spurs were without Steffen Iversen, Chris Armstrong and Rory Allen, which meant that Andy Sinton was used as a make-shift forward and he was an unlikely match-winner.

Despite possessing a talented squad and reaching the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions, Boro suffered in the league and when Justin Edinburgh’s cross in the 71st minute was headed back by Teddy Sheringham, Sinton was first to it and forced the ball past the keeper from close range for the only goal of the game.

Teams : –
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, Ramon Vega, Justin Edinburgh, Jason Dozzell  , David Howells, Allan Nielsen, Andy Sinton, Teddy Sheringham (c). 
Unused Subs : – . 
Manager : – .
Middlesbrough : –  Ben Roberts, Vladimir Kinder, Nigel Pearson, Steve Vickers, Clayton Blackmore, Emerson, Juninho, Robbie Mustoe  , Phil Stamp (Craig Hignett 82  ), Mikkel Beck, Fabrizio Ravanelli (Chris Freestone 82)
Unused Subs : – .
Manager : – .
Attendance : – 29,940
Ref : –   Paul Durkin (Dorset)
Linesmen : –
Fourth Official : – .

Spurs romped to a solid away win to beat Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

A 21st minute free-kick powered home from 35 yards out by Teddy Sheringham put Tottenham on the road to three points, with the scorer playing a volleyed pass wide to David Howells two minutes later and his cross picked out Ruel Fox’s head to make it 2-0.  Despite good chances being narrowly missed by Fox, Sheringham, Colin Calderwood and Chris Armstrong, it was left to Teddy to score the third, putting a glancing header onto Stephen Carr’s cross in the final minute.

Former Spurs striker Nicky Barmby was a peripheral figure in the match and it turned out to be his final appearance for Boro before moving to Everton the following month.

Teams : –
Middlesbrough : –  Alan Miller, Neil Cox, Curtis Fleming, Nigel Pearson, Steve Vickers, Derek Whyte (Phil Stamp 30), Emerson  , Juninho, Robbie Mustoe, Nick Barmby, Fabrizio Ravanelli
Unused Subs : – .
Manager : – .
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, Clive Wilson, Justin Edinburgh  , Ruel Fox  , David Howells, Allan Nielsen, Chris Armstrong, Teddy Sheringham. 
Unused Subs : – . 
Manager : – .
Attendance : – 30,215
Ref : –   Steve Lodge (Barnsley)
Linesmen : –
Fourth Official : – .

A tight game between Spurs and Middlesbrough ended 1-1 but the crowd had to wait until near the end for the goals, which came within two minutes.

Boro keeper Alan Miller had saved well from Chris Armstrong, with Ian Walker reacting quickly to deny Craig Hignett a goal from point blank range at the other end.  As it was, when Sol Campbell flicked on Ruel Fox’s corner in the 83rd minute, Chris Armstrong was on hand to head the ball home for what appeared to be the winning goal.  The visitors had other ideas and when Clive Wilson cleared the ball off the line as a goalmouth melee developed, Phil Whelan was there to force the ball into the net.
Steve Slade came on as a late substitute for his last appearance before joining QPR in the summer.

Teams : – 
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin, Sol Campbell, Stuart Nethercott, Clive Wilson    54, Jason Dozzell    67, Ruel Fox, David Howells (Justin Edinburgh 82), Chris Armstrong, Ronny Rosenthal, Teddy Sheringham (Steve Slade 87).
Unused Subs : – .
Manager : – .
Middlesbrough : –  Alan Miller, Neil Cox, Curtis Fleming, Nigel Pearson    72, Steve Vickers, Derek Whyte    63, Phil Whelan, Juninho, Alan Moore, Robbie Mustoe (Mark Summerbell 40    58), Craig Hignett, Chris Freestone.
Unused Subs : – Branco, Andy Campbell.
Manager : – .
Attendance : – 32,036
Ref : –   Peter Jones (-)
Linesmen : –
Fourth Official : – .

Tottenham’s first visit to the new Riverside Stadium saw the team travel home with the first away win at the new home of Middlesbrough.

Chris Armstrong’s 71st minute goal gave Tottenham the three points, having been set up when Ruel Fox won the ball and played him in to round keeper Gary Walsh and slip the ball into an empty net.  Before the goal both Sol Campbell and Juninho had gone close, but the single goal settled the match.  

Teams : – 
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin    60, Sol Campbell    63, Colin Calderwood, Gary Mabbutt, Jason Dozzell    42, Ruel Fox, David Howells, Chris Armstrong, Ronny Rosenthal, Teddy Sheringham.
Unused Subs : – Chris Day, Justin Edinburgh, Gerry McMahon.
Manager : – .
Middlesbrough : –  Gary Walsh, Neil Cox    83, Chris Morris    29, Steve Vickers, Nigel Pearson, Craig Little, Juninho, Jamie Pollock (Bryan Robson 27), Phil Stamp, Nick Barmby, Jan Age Fjortoft (Jaime Moreno 80).
Unused Subs : – Alan Moore.
Manager : – .
Ref : –   Mike Reed (-)
Linesmen : –
Fourth Official : – .
Attendance : –  29,478

It was another quick start by Middlesbrough, who went ahead in the second minute after Paul Wilkinson played a one-two with John Hendrie and set up Tommy Wright to score the opening goal. The same player scored in the 27th minute when he profited from Craig Hignett’s pass to convert the opportunity and make it 2-0 and then Wilkinson netted in the 76th minute and that was the way the score stayed until the end of the game.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Steven Pears, Curtis Fleming, Alan Kernaghan, Derek Whyte, Jimmy Phillips, Andy Peake, Jamie Pollock, Tommy Wright, John Hendrie, Craig Hignett, Paul Wilkinson.
Subs not used :  Ian Ironside, Willie Falconer, Dwight Marshall
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin (Terry Fenwick), Steve Sedgley, Neil Ruddock, Gary Mabbutt, Justin Edinburgh, Paul Allen (Andy Turner), Darren Anderton, Vinny Samways, Nick Barmby, Teddy Sheringham.
Sub. not used :  Kevin Dearden
Attendance : –  14,472.

Substitute Nick Barmby rescued a point for Spurs, who came back to draw 2-2 with injury-hit Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane.

Boro stunned Spurs with a goal in the first minute, as a long Chris Morris cross was headed back for Robbie Mustoe to lob a volley over Ian Walker to give the visitors, who then extended their lead when Tommy Wright’s long ball found Paul Wilkinson and his low cross was met by Neil Ruddock – running back towards his own goal – and he put the ball past Walker to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

Spurs struggled to get back into the match, but with twenty minutes left, Samways threaded a ball through the Boro defence for Steve Sedgley to run on to and he was brought down by Alan Kernaghan in the box.  The penalty was converted by Teddy Sheringham and Spurs went all out for the equaliser.  Four minutes after the penalty, Durie’s unchallenged 50 yard left wing run produced a low ball into the box that Barmby prodded home at the far post from close range to make it 2-2.

Teams :
Spurs – Ian Walker, Pat van den Hauwe, Neil Ruddock, David Tuttle (Nayim), Justin Edinburgh, Steve Sedgley, Darren Anderton (Nick Barmby), Paul Allen, Vinny Samways, Gordon Durie, Teddy Sheringham.
Unused sub. :  Erik Thorstvedt
Manager : – Doug Livermore
Middlesbrough –  Steven Pears, Jon Gittens, Alan Kernaghan, Derek Whyte, Chris Morris, Jimmy Phillips, Robbie Mustoe, Mark Proctor, Tommy Wright, Bernie Slaven (Curtis Fleming), Paul Wilkinson.
Subs not used :  Andy Collett, Graham Kavanagh
Manager : – Lennie Lawrence
Attendance : – 24,735
Ref. : – Paul Durkin (Dorset)

NOTE : – This was David Tuttle’s last appearance for Spurs

Kick off 15.00.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Stephen Pears, Gary Parkinson, Gary Pallister, Colin Cooper, Tony Mowbray, Mark Brennan (Mark Burke), Gary Hamilton, Paul Kerr, Stuart Ripley, Peter Davenport, Bernie Slaven.
Sub. not used : –
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Gudni Bergsson, Terry Fenwick, Chris Hughton, Guy Butters, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Paul Gascoigne (Mitchell Thomas), David Howells (Paul Walsh), Chris Waddle, Paul Stewart
Attendance : –   23,692.

A topsy-turvy game swung both ways at White Hart Lane, before Tottenham took the First Division points on offer at the death with an amazing come-back.

Boro took the lead through Bernie Slaven, but Chris Waddle made it 1-1 before centre-half Tony Mowbray put the Teeside club ahead once more.  White Hart Lane then witnessed an amazing turnaround in the last six minutes, as substitute David Howells netted to tie it up at 2-2 and in injury time, Gary Pallister halted Paul Moran’s run into the area and Terry Fenwick successfully converted the spot-kick to give Spurs an unexpected winning goal.

Teams :
Spurs –  Bobby Mimms, Chris Fairclough, Terry Fenwick, Mitchell Thomas, Gary Mabbutt, Brian Statham (David Howells), Paul Allen, Paul Gascoigne, Vinny Samways, Chris Waddle, Paul Walsh (Paul Moran)
Middlesbrough –  Stephen Pears, Gary Parkinson, Gary Pallister, Colin Cooper, Tony Mowbray, Mark Brennan, Gary Hamilton, Paul Kerr, Stuart Ripley, Trevor Senior, Bernie Slaven.
Subs not used :
Referee : –  John Martin (Alton, Hampshire)
Linesmen : – Mr. A. S. Foote (Surrey) – Red trim; Mr. S. B. Fursse (Essex) – Yellow trim
Reserve Official : – Mr. G. Liddle (Herts)
Attendance : –  23,427.

Spurs faced Middlesbrough in an evening game at White Hart Lane, keeping the points in North London with a 1-0 win.

When Tony Galvin and Graham Roberts went for the same tackle in the ninth minute, Roberts came out of it needing seven minutes of medical attention, returning after having four stitches in a cut ankle.  It was a 27th minute Garth Crooks goal that decided the game.  Ricky Villa chipped the ball over the defence for Ossie Ardiles to play on the chance for Crooks to smash the ball home with a left foot shot that went in off the underside of the bar.

Although Middlesbrough had some chances in the second half, they could not take any of them and left N17 empty-handed.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Chris Hughton, Paul Miller, Graham Roberts, Ricky Villa, Steve Perryman (c), Ossie Ardiles, Mark Falco, Tony Galvin, Glenn Hoddle, Garth Crooks
Sub. not used : –
Manager : – Terry Venables
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Ian Bailey, Colin Ross, Irving Nattrass, Tony McAndrew, Terry Cochrane, Heine Otto, David Hodgson, Duncan Shearer (Garry MacDonald), Bobby Thomson
Sub. not used : –  .
Manager : – Bruce Rioch
Attendance : –   22,819.

Middlesbrough took a 1-0 lead at Ayresome Park when Heine Otto scored in the 10th minute, but Mark Falco earned an equaliser after 27 minutes.  Glenn Hoddle put Spurs ahead five minutes later and Ricky Villa rounded off the Tottenham win with a third goal on the break in the 89th minute.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Irving Nattrass, Tony McAndrew, Joe Bolton, Mick Baxter, Graeme Hedley, Heine Otto, Garry MacDonald, Dave Shearer (David Hodgson), Billy Woof, John Craggs.
Sub. not used :
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Chris Hughton, Paul Miller, Paul Price, Steve Perryman, Ossie Ardiles, Garry Brooke, Tony Galvin, Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Mark Falco
Sub. not used :
Attendance : –  20,490

NOTE : – Paul Price and Ray Clemence made their Spurs League debuts.

A hat-trick from David Hodgson and one from Craig Johnston condemned Spurs to defeat at Ayresome Park with John Lacy’s goal Tottenham’s only bright point in a disappointing visit to Teesside.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Irving Nattrass, Ian Bailey, David Armstrong, Mark Proctor, Craig Johnston, Billy Ashcroft, Terry Cochrane, David Hodgson, Dave Shearer, John Craggs.
Sub. not used :
Manager : – John Neal
Spurs –  Milija Aleksic, Chris Hughton, Don McAllister, Graham Roberts (Terry Yorath), John Lacy, Steve Perryman (c), Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Steve Archibald, Garth Crooks
Sub. not used :
Attendance : –  15,990

Teams :
Spurs –  Barry Daines, Chris Hughton, John Lacy, Steve Perryman (c), Gordon Smith, Ossie Ardiles (Peter Taylor), Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Steve Archibald, Garth Crooks, Terry Yorath
Sub. not used :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Tony McAndrew, Ian Bailey, Mike Angus, David Armstrong, Mark Proctor, Craig Johnston, David Hodgson, Bozo Jankovic, Dave Shearer (Billy Ashcroft), John Craggs.
Sub. not used :
Attendance : –  27,380

After an even half hour of the match, Spurs started to gain the upper hand, but could not find a goal to take the points at Ayresome Park.  With a strong breeze and a soft pitch, the playing conditions were not ideal, but both teams made a good fist of it.

Boro keeper Jim Platt was tested in the first half by shots from Glenn Hoddle and Don McAllister, while Chris Hughton and Chris Jones both went close to scoring.  Ricky Villa had cleared off the goal-line early on, Micky Burns struck the bar in the second period and Gerry Armstrong reciprocated late in the game with a shot on the turn, but neither side could make the breakthrough and had to settle for a point each.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Tony McAndrew, Jeff Peters, David Armstrong, Mark Proctor, Craig Johnston, Billy Ashcroft, Micky Burns (Terry Cochrane), David Hodgson, Bozo Jankovic, John Craggs.
Spurs –  Milija Aleksic, Chris Hughton, Don McAllister, Terry Yorath, Gordon Smith, Steve Perryman (c), Ossie Ardiles, Chris Jones, Gerry Armstrong, Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa
Sub. not used :  Colin Lee
Attendance : –  19,557.

Middlesbrough took the points with a three goal burst within 20 minutes to shock Spurs at White Hart Lane.

David Armstrong, Micky Burns and Bozo Jankovic put Boro into an unassailable lead, but Glenn Hoddle did pull one goal back with a classy finish fifteen minutes from the end of the game.

Teams :
Spurs –  Barry Daines, John Lacy, Colin Lee, Steve Perryman, Gordon Smith, Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, John Pratt (Chris Jones), Ricky Villa, Mark Falco, Terry Yorath
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Tony McAndrew, Ian Bailey, David Armstrong, Mark Proctor, Billy Ashcroft, Micky Burns, David Hodgson, Bozo Jankovic, John Craggs (Peter Johnson).
Attendance : –  32,743.

Teams :
Spurs –  Mark Kendall, Jimmy Holmes, Don McAllister, Terry Naylor, Steve Perryman, Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, John Pratt, Peter Taylor, Ricky Villa, Chris Jones.
Sub. not used :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Tony McAndrew, Stuart Boam, Peter Johnson, David Armstrong, John Mahoney, Mark Proctor, Billy Ashcroft, Micky Burns, David Hodgson, John Craggs..
Sub. not used :
Attendance : –  21,580.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Tony McAndrew, Stuart Boam, Peter Johnson, David Armstrong, John Mahoney, Mark Proctor, Billy Ashcroft, Micky Burns, David Hodgson, John Craggs.
Sub. not used :
Spurs –  Mark Kendall, Jimmy Holmes, Don McAllister, Terry Naylor, John Lacy, Steve Perryman, Ossie Ardiles (Colin Lee), Glenn Hoddle, John Pratt, Ricky Villa, Chris Jones.
Attendance : –  19,172.

Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win at Ayresome Park kept Spurs fourth from bottom of the First Division.

Terry Cooper cut in from the left into the box and tried a curling shot early on that Daines dived well to grab, before Glenn Hoddle tested the keeper at the other end with a driven half-volley from the edge of the area after juggling the ball to control it.  Alf Wood knocked a header down into the path of Graeme Souness, but he didn’t catch his shot right and it bobbled through to Daines, who later had to rush out to meet a long ball taking out David Mills in the box as he did so. The referee waved away calls for a penalty.  A debatable Boro corner was played in by Boersma and Mills had an unchallenged header on the six yard line to put it down past Daines, who couldn’t get enough of a hand on it to keep the ball out

In the second half, Neil McNab struck a 25 yard effort that forced the keeper to fall to his right to get behind the ball, but in Boro’s next attack, Andy Keeley failed to control the ball was robbed by Boersma outside the box and Mills prodded it over the Spurs keeper, who came out at his feet to make it 2-0 before half time.

Tottenham looked to get back in the game after the break when Keeley played the ball infield from the right to Chris Jones, whose first time lay off set John Duncan up for a volley that brought a diving save from Cuff to stop his effort. Duncan was also involved when Hoddle intercepted a back pass and dinked in a cross to the near post where the Scot won the header, but put it wide and then got in the way when Keeley had an opportunity. In the end, as Boro pushed forward, Barry Daines made a very good save to deny Willie Maddren.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Pat Cuff, Terry Cooper, Stuart Boam, Willie Maddren, John Craggs, Phil Boersma, Graeme Souness, David Armstrong, Graeme Hedley, Alf Wood, David Mills.
Subs not used :
Manager : –  Jack Charlton
Spurs –  Barry Daines, Terry Naylor, John Gorman, Keith Osgood, Andy Keeley, Glenn Hoddle, Steve Perryman, Neil McNab, Peter Taylor, Chris Jones, John Duncan
Unused sub. : –  John Pratt
Manager : – Keith Burkinshaw
Colours – All yellow, with navy trim
Attendance : -21,231.

Boro hosted a League Cup Second Round tie and it came just a few days after the league meeting between the two teams.

In between, Tottenham had signed Ian Moores from Stoke City and 23 minutes into his debut, he hit the back of the net to give Tottenham the lead.  Boro equalised through Tony McAndrew before the half-time whistle, but it was Jimmy Neighbour who popped up to hit the second half winner for Spurs – his last goal for the club.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Terry Cooper, Willie Maddren, Graeme Souness, Tony McAndrew, David Mills, Phil Boersma, Graeme Hedley (John Hickton), David Armstrong
Spurs –  Barry Daines, Terry Naylor, Willie Young, Keith Osgood, Don McAllister, Steve Perryman (c) (John Pratt), Glenn Hoddle, Jimmy Neighbour, Ralph Coates, Ian Moores, Chris Jones
Attendance : –  19,042

NOTE : – Ian Moores scored his first Spurs goal on his debut for the club.
Jimmy Neighbour netted for Tottenham for the final time.

Spurs visited Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park and played out a 0-0 First Division draw.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, Terry Cooper, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Willie Maddren, Graeme Souness, Tony McAndrew, David Mills, Phil Boersma, John Hickton (Billy Woof), David Armstrong.
Subs not used :
Spurs – Barry Daines, Terry Naylor, Don McAllister, Glenn Hoddle, Willie Young, Keith Osgood, Ralph Coates, Steve Perryman (c), Gerry Armstrong, Chris Jones, Jimmy Neighbour
Subs not used :  –  John Pratt
Attendance : –  21,721
Ref. : –  .

Spurs were unlucky not to come away from Ayresome Park with a point, losing out to the only goal against Middlesbrough.

David Armstrong had hit the post for the home side before John Hickton converted a 31st minute penalty to put Boro ahead.

In the second half, Spurs dominated and early on, Martin Chivers was unlucky to see his effort on goal bounce back off the goalpost, but despite playing the better football in the second period, they could not force an equaliser.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Willie Maddren, Terry Cooper, David Armstrong, Bobby Murdoch, Alan Wiley, Ian Bailey (Alan Foggon), John Hickton, Phil Boersma.
Spurs –   Pat Jennings, Terry Naylor, Don McAllister, John Pratt, Willie Young, Keith Osgood, Chris McGrath, Steve Perryman (c), Martin Chivers, John Duncan, Jimmy Neighbour
Sub. not used : Walford
Ref. : –
Attendance : –  22,046.

Chris Jones was denied a goal by an offside flag, but Steve Perryman turned out to be the match-winner when he shot home Jimmy Neighbour’s cross thirteen minutes before the end of the opening home game of the season.

Pat Jennings showed his class in keeping out a shot from David Armstrong and the referee had a tough time with Terry Naylor and Graeme Souness having a running battle, which ended with them both in the book.

Teams : –
Spurs –  Pat Jennings, Joe Kinnear, Terry Naylor  , John Pratt, Keith Osgood, Don McAllister, Neil McNab, Steve Perryman (c), Martin Chivers, Chris Jones, Jimmy Neighbour
Subs not used : –  Chris McGrath
Manager : – Terry Neill
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Terry Cooper, Graeme Souness  , Stuart Boam (c), Willie Maddren, Bobby Murdoch, David Mills, John Hickton, Allan Willey, David Armstrong.
Subs not used :
Manager : – Jack Charlton
Attendance : –  25,502
Ref. : –  Roger Kirkpatrick (Leicester)
Linesmen : – Mr. D. A. Patten (Hants) – Red flag; Mr. K. Swift (Somerset) – Yellow flag.

Goal time –  76m 17s.

Only four minutes had gone when John Hickton finished off a neat move, giving Boro a lead that they had to wait until the last minute of the first half to double. John Craggs took a throw to Hickton, who ran forward before crossing into the box, where Alan Foggon jumped over the ball leaving Graeme Souness to score with a shot from 12 yards out.

In the 81st minute, Tottenham’s misery was complete when substitute Alan Willey’s cross was met by ex-Spurs man Souness to make it 3-0.

Teams :
Middlesbrough : –   Jim Platt, John Craggs, Terry Cooper, Graeme Souness, Stuart Boam (c), Willie Maddren, Bobby Murdoch, David Mills, John Hickton, Alan Foggon, David Armstrong
Spurs : –  Pat Jennings, Joe Kinnear, Cyril Knowles, Don McAllister, John Pratt, Terry Naylor, Alfie Conn, Steve Perryman (c), Chris Jones, Ralph Coates, John Duncan
Ref. Mr. (-)
Linesmen : Mr. – (-) – Red flag; Mr. – (-) – Yellow flag
Crowd : – 25,637.

Middlesbrough won this First Division match at White Hart Lane 2-1, despite a late rally from Tottenham. David Armstrong scored early for the visitors, but then Jimmy Neighbour hit a left foot shot from Ralph Coates’ left wing cross from twelve yards out at the Paxton Road end, hitting the ball over Platt as he dived at his feet.

However, just before half-time, David Mills scored the winning goal for Boro and they were then reliant on keeper Platt to stop Spurs from equalising. He blocked a Chivers effort after the interval when it definitely looked like it would be a goal, but Spurs could not beat the Middlesbrough stopper. Pat Jennings, at the other end, had to produce a good save from a close-range Graeme Souness header, while a late header by Martin Chivers from just inside the penalty area was cleared off the line by John Craggs.

Teams :
Spurs –   Pat Jennings, Ray Evans, Cyril Knowles, John Pratt, Mike England, Phil Beal, Jimmy Neighbour, Steve Perryman, Martin Chivers, Martin Peters (c), Ralph Coates
Subs not used : Terry Naylor
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Frank Spraggon, Stuart Boam (c), Willie Maddren, Graeme Souness, David Armstrong, David Mills, Bobby Murdoch, Alan Willey, Alan Foggon.
Subs not used :
Manager : – Jack Charlton
Attendance : –  23,282
Ref. Mr. Jack Taylor (Wolverhampton)
Linesmen : Mr. J. A. Christopher (Oxon) – Red flag; Mr. A. J. Parsons (Beds) – Yellow flag.

Goal times
First goal – 7m 16s
Second goal – 12m 47s
Third goal – 42m 49s.

A League Cup tie in the Third Round marked the end of Bill Nicholson’s managerial career at Tottenham and the performance was a poor tribute to the man who had done so much for Spurs.

In the 35th minute Malcolm Smith met a Craggs free-kick which looped over Jennings after being deflected and then Tottenham went further behind three minutes before the break, when they conceded a goal by David Mills after a four man move.

Tottenham made little impact on the Boro side and even Alfie Conn, making his debut, could not break through their defence.    Six minutes into the second half, Beal made what looked like a fair tackle on Mills, but the ref pointed to the spot and the penalty was tucked away by John Hickton and all that was left was for Armstrong to round off the scoring on 73 minutes.

Teams :
Spurs –  Pat Jennings, Ray Evans, Terry Naylor, Phil Beal, Keith Osgood (Alfie Conn), John Pratt, Jimmy Neighbour, Steve Perryman, Ralph Coates, Chris McGrath, Martin Chivers
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Smith, Willie Maddren, Taylor, Bobby Murdoch, David Mills, John Hickton, David Armstrong, Alan Foggon
Attendance : – 15,216

First goal – 34m 51s
Second goal – 41m 49s
Third goal – 51m 40s

NOTE : –  Alfie Conn makes his Tottenham debut.

The toss of a coin won Spurs the right to stage the second replay of the Third Round League Cup tie and while Tottenham attacked from the start, they found Platt in inspired form.  Saving well from Chivers and Pearce, he kept Spurs out, while, at the other end, McMordie’s long ball was misjudged by England and Hickton knocked the ball past Jennings to give the visitors the lead in the eighth minute.

Knowles, Pearce and Peters all had opportunities to score without taking them, but then Peters ghosted in to head home Perryman’s free-kick at the far post to give Tottenham a 30th minute equaliser.  Jennings had to be alert to stop Mills and McMordie, while Platt stopped Knowles to take the game into extra time again.

Gilzean had replaced Pratt earlier, but his most telling contribution was in the 118th minute of the match, when he nipped across his marker and in front of Jim Platt in the Boro goal to guide Coates’ left wing cross into the net to give Spurs a Fourth Round tie against Millwall.  A late Boro effort came back off the bar as they tried to force the game into another replay, but the tie was over shortly after and Spurs progressed to play Millwall later that week.

Teams :
Spurs –  Pat Jennings, Ray Evans, Mike England, Mike Dillon, Cyril Knowles, John Pratt (Alan Gilzean), Jimmy Pearce, Steve Perryman, Ralph Coates, Martin Peters, Martin Chivers
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Frank Spraggon (Eric Gates), Willie Maddren, Eric McMordie, David Mills, John Hickton, David Armstrong, Gordon Jones
Attendance : –  19,287.

The replay of the League Cup Third Round tie was a dull affair with a strong wind affecting play.

Gordon Jones’ cross-field pass picked out Bill Gates and his cross was headed tamely at Jennings, while Gilzean hit a fierce shot after starting the move himself, but it was turned round by Platt.  Craggs produced a save from Jennings with another header from a corner, but the game stayed scoreless at the break.  Martin Peters had a shot from outside the six yard box which was headed off the line.

Gilzean almost converted Perryman’s cross with a cheeky back-heel, but it went wide of the mark and Chivers suffered the same fate with a header.  An improvised save by Pat Jennings saved Spurs with eight minutes left, after Spraggon’s effort flew off Perryman’s head and the Spurs keeper managed to somehow get the ball over the bar with his feet !!  That took the game into extra time and there were only two decent opportunities, both falling to Gilzean and both not converted.

The high-point of the match was when someone tried to climb up the floodlight pylon in the North-East corner of the ground !

Teams :
Spurs –  Pat Jennings, Joe Kinnear, Mike England, Cyril Knowles, John Pratt (Jimmy Pearce), Steve Perryman, Terry Naylor, Ralph Coates, Alan Gilzean, Martin Peters, Martin Chivers
Subs not used :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Nobby Stiles (Peter Brine), Frank Spraggon, Willie Maddren, Eric McMordie, Eric Gates, David Mills, John Hickton, Gordon Jones.
Attendance : –  19,256.

A League Cup Third Round meeting with Middlesbrough was Tottenham’s reward for overcoming Huddersfield Town.  Tottenham took the lead with Pratt setting Coates up for a cross that saw Jimmy Pearce race in to slam the ball in left-footed past Jim Platt in the Boro goal.  Chivers also drew a fine save from Platt with a firm header before the break.

A goal down in five minutes, Boro were not dispirited and fought back into the game after the break, when against the run of play, Beal hit a back-pass short and Hickton nipped into make it 1-1 in the 39th minute.  Both sides pressed for the win in the later stages and Jennings thwarted Hickton twice and Mills, while England’s header at the other end was hacked off the line by Craggs.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Jim Platt, John Craggs, Stuart Boam, Nobby Stiles, Frank Spraggon, Willie Maddren, Eric McMordie (Johnny Vincent), Eric Gates, David Mills, John Hickton, Gordon Jones.
Spurs –  Pat Jennings, Joe Kinnear, Mike England, Phil Beal, Cyril Knowles, Jimmy Pearce, John Pratt, Steve Perryman, Terry Naylor, Ralph Coates, Martin Chivers
Subs not used : Martin Peters
Attendance : –  23,822.

Spurs hosted Middlesbrough in a FA Cup Third Round match at White Hart Lane, running out 4-0 winners.

Spurs were fifth in the First Division at the time, while injury-hit Boro were struggling near the bottom of Division Two and like ten years before when they visited in the FA Cup, the pitch was heavy and heavily sanded. A well-timed run by Dave Mackay saw the Tottenham skipper beat the Boro keeper to the ball and head us into the lead from Jimmy Robertson’s cross on 20 minutes and Frank Saul scored the second just three minutes later with a neat reading of a back pass that saw him round McPartland and slip the ball into an empty net for 2-0.

After half-time Mackay netted a penalty after Dickie Rooks had fouled Cliff Jones in the area and Saul bagged his brace with a quarter of an hour left to wrap up a convincing win.

Teams :
Spurs :  Pat Jennings, Phil Beal, Cyril Knowles, Alan Mullery, Laurie Brown, Dave Mackay (c), Jimmy Robertson, Eddie Clayton, Frank Saul, Alan Gilzean, Cliff Jones
Middlesbrough :  McPartland, Gates, Jones, Anderson (c), Rooks, Davidson, Townsend, Eric McMordie, Horsfield, Gibson, LeFlem
Ref.  Mr. L. J. Hamer (Lancs)
Linesmen :  Mr. A. G. Seeley (Norfolk) – Red flag;  Mr. M. J. Bayston (Herts) – Yellow flag
Attendance : –  37,349.

Spurs eased past Second Division Middlesbrough in this Fourth Round FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane, but it was the visitors who overcame the misty conditions and the mud-heap of a pitch to take the lead.

Just 17 minutes had elapsed when Joe Scott scored, but Boro could have been ahead earlier when Charlie Wayman missed an opportunity.  Maurice Norman’s far post header to Tony Marchi’s cross levelled the score with half an hour gone, allowing Spurs to go on and control the second half, progressing to the Fifth Round thanks to a 64th minute George Robb effort and a Dave Dunmore goal three minutes from time that put the game out of Middlesbrough’s reach.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ron Reynolds, Mel Hopkins, Maurice Norman, Harry Clarke, Danny Blanchflower, Tony Marchi, George Robb, Dave Dunmore, Len Duquemin, Bobby Smith, Johnny Brooks
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Ray Bilcliff, Bobby Corbett, Dick Robinson, Ronnie Dicks, Bert Mitchell, Charlie Wayman, Lindy Delapenha, Arthur Fitzsimons, Joe Scott, Bill Harris.
Attendance : –  41,895.

Despite ending the season being relegated, Middlesbrough won 3-0 against Spurs at Ayresome Park.

It took three second half goals from Johnny Spuhler, Sam Lawrie and Seamus O’Connell on his home debut to take both points for the Tees-side side.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Derek Stonehouse, Dick Robinson, Joe Birkbeck, Harry Bell, Ronnie Dicks, Johnny Spuhler, Sam Lawrie, Seamus O’Connell, Lindy Delapenha, Wilf Mannion.
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Mel Hopkins, Harry Clarke, Tony Marchi, Ralph Wetton, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Len Duquemin, Johnny Brooks, George Robb
Attendance : –  35,141

It was a matter of Tottenham being the team who took their chances in this 4-1 First Division win at White Hart Lane. Ted Ditchburn was in fine form to keep Boro at bay, with their forwards missing a shot of chances as the pressure grew on the Spurs goal and at the other end the visitor’s goalkeeper Rolando Ugolini fouled Sonny Walters, but Alf Ramsey had his effort saved from the spot.

However, Tottenham did manage goals through Walters and Les Bennett before the half-time break, while George Robb scored a third into the second period.  Lindy Delapenha pulled a goal back for Boro straight away, but Len Duquemin got on the end of a Robb cross-ball and made it 4-1 to Tottenham giving them three wins out of three at the start of the 1953-54 season.

Teams :
Spurs – Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Charlie Withers, Bill Nicholson, Harry Clarke, Ron Burgess, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Len Duquemin, Eddie Baily, George Robb
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Ray Bilcliff, Bobby Corbett, Harry Bell, Ronnie Dicks, Mulholland, Lindy Delapenha, Wilf Mannion, McPherson, Arthur Fitzsimons, Geoff Walker
Referee : –  Mr. S. J. Bostock  (Lancs)
Linesmen : – Mr. J. E. Cooke (Cambs) – Red Flag; Mr. A. W. Done (Wilts) – Yellow Flag.
Attendance : –  44,911

The return Division 1 fixture at Ayresome Park also proved a good Yuletide for Tottenham, as they won 4-0.

Spurs were already 2-0 ahead when Len Duquemin lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper and it bounced off the legs of 21 year old full back Ray Bilcliff to go into the net.  Goals from Len Duquemin, Sonny Walters and Les Bennett rounded off a 4-0 win to complete a Christmas double over the Tees-side club.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Ray Bilcliff, Bobby Corbett, George Aitken, Harry Bell, Eddie Russell, Geoff Walker, Sammy Lawrie, Ollie Norris, Arthur Fitzsimons, Wilf Mannion
Spurs –   Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Willis, Harry Clarke, Colin Brittan, Bill Nicholson, Les Medley, Len Duquemin, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Eddie Baily
Attendance : –   23,265.

When Ollie Norris pulled Boro level at 1-1 in this Christmas Day First Division match at the Lane, there must have been high hopes for the North-East side to take something back home as a present, but it was Tottenham who were the happiest at full-time with four goals from Les Bennett, two from Len Duquemin and one from Eddie Baily giving Spurs the Christmas cheer of a 7-1 victory.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Willis, Harry Clarke, Colin Brittan, Bill Nicholson, Les Medley, Len Duquemin, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Eddie Baily
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Ray Bilcliff, Bobby Corbett, George Aitken, Harry Bell, Eddie Russell, Geoff Walker, Sammy Lawrie, Ollie Norris, Wilf Mannion, Arthur Fitzsimons
Attendance : –  36,102.

Spurs overcame a strong Middlesbrough side at White Hart Lane for two valuable points in their challenge at the top of the table.

Goals from Les Bennett and two from Peter Murphy were enough to outdo the one for Lindy Delapenha to hand Spurs a 3-1 win.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Charlie Withers, Harry Clarke, Ron Burgess (c), Bill Nicholson, Les Medley, Peter Murphy, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Eddie Baily
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Bobby Corbett, Dick Robinson, Billy Whitaker, Harry Bell, Ronnie Dicks, Johnny Spuhler, Lindy Delapenha, Neil Mochan, Arthur Fitzsimons, Wilf Mannion.
Referee : – Mr. J. H. Clough (Lancashire)
Linesmen : –  Mr. F. C. B. Hullis (Suffolk) – Red Flag; Mr. K. A. Laffin (Suffolk) – Yellow Flag.
Attendance : –   37,781

Spurs took on the defending League Champions on their visit to Middlesbrough, but despite taking an early lead, they went down 2-1.

Each side exchanged attacks before Spurs opened the scoring when Les Bennett ran through onto a good pass from Peter Murphy to slot the ball past Ugolini with only six minutes gone.

It took Boro eight minutes to pull level, with Brian Farley’s slip seeing Mochan take the ball off him and race on goal.  Farley recovered to get to the home striker, but could only succeed in deflecting the ball past Ditchburn as the shot came in.  Five minutes later, Boro went ahead.  Mochan drifted out to the right wing and crossed for Walker to shoot, but it was blocked and fortuitously for the home side, Bell was on hand to convert the loose ball.

Spurs responded with Eddie Baily netting after Murphy had struck a shot against the post, but it was chalked off for offside.  Baily was to be denied again when he headed a corner past the keeper, but a defender on the line cleared the ball before it went in.

In the second half, Middlesbrough forced the pace of the game and Ted Ditchburn was at his best to keep them at bay.   Spurs suffered from poor finishing to good approach play and despite being without Harry Clarke and Sony Walters put in a good performance, although it was ultimately pointless.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Tommy Blenkinsop, Dick Robinson, Harry Bell, Ronnie Dicks, Jimmy Gordon, Geoff Walker, Neil Mochan, Billy Linacre, Alex McCrae, Wilf Mannion
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Willis, Brian Farley, Ron Burgess, Bill Nicholson, Les Medley, Len Duquemin, Peter Murphy, Les Bennett, Eddie Baily
Attendance : –   44,004.

The First Division match ended in a draw at Ayresome Park.  Peter Murphy opened the scoring halfway through the first half with a powerful drive from long-range, but Johnny Spuhler equalised quickly and Ted Ditchburn was on top form to keep Boro at bay for a point.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Tommy Blenkinsop, Dick Robinson, Harry Bell, Joe Brown, Ronnie Dicks, Geoff Walker, Johnny Spuhler, Lindy Delapenha, Arthur Fitzsimons, Alex McCrae
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Willis, Harry Clarke, Bill Nicholson, Ron Burgess, Les Medley, Len Duquemin, Sonny Walters, Peter Murphy, Eddie Baily
Attendance : –  36,689.

A huge crowd turned out to see a 3-3 draw between Spurs and Middlesbrough played out on a heavy White Hart Lane pitch in the Tees-side club’s first visit in 15 years.

Boro’s Jimmy Hartnett scored from an Alex McCrae cross on 13 minutes, only for Alf Ramsey to equalise from the spot after a penalty had been given to Spurs just a minute after.  Legendary striker Wilf Mannion put the visitors ahead again, but once more Tottenham came back to score through Len Duquemin, who knocked home a free-kick from Les Medley before half-time.

Another free-kick saw Middlesbrough take the lead for the third time as Lindy Delapenha made it 3-2 on 70 minutes, but Spurs showed they did not give up when Sonny Walters got his head to Medley’s corner kick to make it 3-3 just three minutes later.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Willis, Bill Nicholson, Harry Clarke, Ron Burgess, Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Len Duquemin, Eddie Baily, Les Medley
Middlesbrough –  Rolando Ugolini, Dick Robinson, Billy Whitaker, Ronnie Dicks, Jimmy Gordon, Harry Bell, Jimmy Hartnett, Johnny Spuhler, Lindy Delapenha, Alex McCrae, Wilf Mannion
Attendance : –  61,148.

Two Ralph Birkett goals and one from Ernest Coleman won this game with Tottenham’s goal coming from George Hunt and at the end of the campaign, it was Boro who survived in the First Division as Spurs went down to Division 2.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Ernest Hillier, Billy Brown, Bobby Stuart, John Martin, Tom Griffiths (c), Fred Warren, Robert Baxter, Ralph Birkett, George Camsell, Robert Bruce, Ernest Coleman
Spurs –  Allan Taylor, Fred Channell, Bill Whatley, Les Howe, Wally Alsford, Alf Day, Willie Evans, Len Bolan, George Hunt, Sam Bell, Andy Duncan
Attendance : –  14,625.

1934 World Cup winners Italy watch Spurs play Middlesbrough at the Lane, just four days before meeting England in a friendly match and Tottenham ran out 3-1 winners.

Spurs had gone ahead with George Hunt scoring, but the visitors levelled through Micky Fenton before Tottenham went on to win with goals from Willie Evans and Les Howe.

“They (the Italians) spoke in high praise of the play of individual members of both sides and expressed their satisfaction that they had not to play against (George) Hunt on Wednesday.”  Hunt had been called up as a replacement for Manchester City’s Sam Tilson, but got a knock in the Boro game and had to withdraw himself.

Teams :
Spurs –  Joe Nicholls, Fred Channell, Bill Whatley, Les Howe, Arthur Rowe, Tom Meads, Tom Evans, Willie Evans, George Hunt, Len Bolan, Eugene O’Callaghan
Middlesbrough –  Ernest Hillier, John Jennings, Bobby Stuart, Billy Brown, William Forrest, Tom Griffiths (c), Joseph Bell, Robert Baxter, George Camsell, Micky Fenton, Ernest Coleman
Attendance : –  26,416.

Middlesbrough held Spurs to a 1-1 draw at Ayresome Park as George Camsell headed in just before the break and looked like going further ahead in the second half, when handball was given against Arthur Rowe in the penalty area. However, Joe Nicholls produced a good diving save to stop Jack Jennings’ spot-kick.

That gave Tottenham the opportunity to grab a point when Willie Evans scored as Spurs poured forward after the penalty save.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Frederick Gibson, Jack Jennings, Bobby Stuart, William Forrest, John Martin, Tom Griffiths, Clifton Chadwick, George Camsell, Robert Bruce, Benjamin Yorston.
Spurs –  Joe Nicholls, Fred Channell, Bill Whatley, Arthur Rowe, Wally Alsford, Tom Evans, Willie Evans, Jimmy McCormick, George Hunt, Eugene O’Callaghan, Willie Hall
Attendance : –  11,823.

Spurs were keen to stay top of the table when Middlesbrough came to visit and they took the points from the match 2-0 with goals from Taffy O’Callaghan and George Hunt to stay top of the First Division.

Teams :
Spurs – Joe Nicholls, Fred Channell, Bill Whatley, Arthur Rowe, Tom Meads, Tom Evans, Willie Evans, Jimmy McCormick, George Hunt, Eugene O’Callaghan, Willie Hall
Middlesbrough –  Frederick Gibson, John Jennings, Bobby Stuart, Billy Brown, John Martin, Tom Griffiths, Frederick Warren, Robert Baxter, George Camsell, Charles Ferguson, Robert Bruce.
Attendance : – 36,077.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  James Mathieson, Reg Freeman, John Smith, Joseph Miller, John Peacock, Maurice Webster, William Pease, George Camsell, John Carr, Robert Bruce, Fred Kennedy.
Spurs –  Cyril Spiers, Matthew Forster, Cecil Poynton, Arthur Lowdell, Harry Wilding, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Frank Osborne, Andy Thompson, Eugene O’Callaghan, Jack Elkes
Attendance : –   25,145.

Despite an evenly fought game between the two relegated sides from the previous season, Middlesbrough journeyed home northwards with two points from a 5-2 win.

Spurs goalkeeper Cyril Spiers had been injured and his place taken by left-back Jock Richardson, thus allowing Boro an advantage they seized on.  Goals from Jimmy Dimmock and Frank Osborne were not enough to prevent Middlesbrough netting five from George Camsell, William Pease 2, Fred Kennedy and Owen Williams.

Teams :
Spurs –   Cyril Spiers, Matthew Forster, John Richardson, Arthur Lowdell, Arthur Grimsdell, Jimmy Dimmock, Andy Thompson, Frank Osborne, Eugene O’Callaghan, Tom Roberts, Jack Elkes.
Middlesbrough –  James Mathieson, Frank Twine, John Smith, Joseph Miller, John Peacock, Robert Gibson Ferguson, Owen Williams, William Pease, George Camsell, John Carr, Fred Kennedy.
Attendance : –  23,990.

Spurs beat Middlesbrough 4-2 at home with Johnny Blair’s hat-trick and a penalty from Jimmy Dimmock at White Hart Lane.  Boro’s goals came from John Carr and George Camsell.

Teams :
Spurs –  Jock Britton, Matthew Forster, John Richardson, Harry Skitt, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, John Blair, Frank Osborne, Eugene O’Callaghan, Bert Elkes.
Middlesbrough –  James Mathieson, Reginald Freeman, Sydney Jarvis, Joseph Miller, Donald Ashman, Robert Gibson Ferguson, Owen Williams, William Pease, George Camsell, John Carr, John McKay.
Attendance : – 19,219.

Teams :
Spurs –  Joe Nicholls, Matt Forster, Cecil Poynton, Arthur Lowdell, Harry Skitt, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Albert Evans, Frank Osborne, Eugene O’Callaghan, Jack Elkes
Middlesbrough –  James Mathieson, Frank Twine, John Smith, Joseph Miller, Donald Ashman, Robert Ferguson, Owen Williams, William Pease, George Camsell, John Carr, John McKay
Attendance : –   29,113.

Teams :
Spurs –  George Maddison, Tommy Clay, Matt Forster, Charlie Walters, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Seed, Jack Elkes
Middlesbrough –  John Clough, Reg Freeman, Alf Maitland, Joe Harris, Robert Pender, Maurice Webster, Tom Urwin, Billy Birrell, Alexander Cochrane, Andrew Wilson, George Elliott.
Attendance : –   25,000.

Teams :
Spurs –  George Maddison, Tommy Clay, Matt Forster, Charlie Walters, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Seed, Jack Elkes
Middlesbrough –  John Clough, Reg Freeman, Alf Maitland, Joe Harris, Robert Pender, Maurice Webster, Tom Urwin, Billy Birrell, Alexander Cochrane, Andrew Wilson, George Elliott.
Attendance : –   32,772.

Teams :
Spurs –  Bert Blake, Tommy Clay, John Pearson, Harry Lowe, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Seed, Charlie Handley
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Walter Holmes, John Davison, Robert Pender, Howard Slade, Maurice Webster, Tom Urwin, Walter Bottrill, Billy Birrell, George Carr, Andrew Wilson.
Attendance : –   35,000.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Walter Holmes, William Fox, Stewart Davidson, Robert Pender, Maurice Webster, Tom Urwin, Walter Bottrill, George Carr, Andrew Wilson, William Murray.
Spurs –  Bert Blake, Tommy Clay, Matt Forster, Harry Lowe, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Alex Lindsay, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Seed, Charlie Handley
Attendance : –   8,000.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Marshall, William Fox, Stewart Davidson, Peter Donaghy, William Ellerington, Tom Urwin, George Carr, Andrew Wilson, George Elliott, John Mordue.
Spurs –  Alex Hunter, Tommy Clay, Bob McDonald, Jimmy Archibald, Charlie Walters, Arthur Grimsdell, Jimmy Dimmock, Charlie Wilson, Jimmy Banks, Andy Thompson, Jimmy Seed
Attendance : –   20,000

Teams :
Spurs –  Alex Hunter, Tommy Clay, Bob McDonald, Jimmy Archibald, Charlie Walters, Arthur Grimsdell, Jimmy Dimmock, Jimmy Cantrell, Jimmy Banks, Jimmy Seed, Bert Bliss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Marshall, William Fox, Peter Donaghy, William Ellerington, Tom Urwin, Billy Birrell, George Carr, Andrew Wilson, John Mordue.
Attendance : –   34,882.

Teams :
Spurs –  Alex Hunter, Matt Forster, Bob McDonald, Jimmy Archibald, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Jimmy Cantrell, Jimmy Banks, Jimmy Seed, Bert Bliss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Marshall, Walter Holmes, Peter Donaghy, Robert Pender, William Ellerington, Tom Urwin, Thomas Brown, Billy Birrell, George Carr, Francis Dowson.
Attendance : –   25,000.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Marshall, Walter Holmes, William Carr, Peter Donaghy, Robert Pender, Tom Urwin, Thomas Brown, Billy Birrell, John Carr, Francis Dowson.
Spurs –  Alex Hunter, Matt Forster, Bob Brown, Charlie Walters, Arthur Grimsdell, Bert Smith, Jimmy Dimmock, Jimmy Cantrell, Jimmy Banks, Jimmy Seed, Bert Bliss
Attendance : –   10,000

In scoring five goals away from home, you might expect to take the points, but Boro hit seven in reply to earn the two points on offer on a match played on a greasy pitch on Teesside.

Jimmy Cantrell hit four Spurs goals and Bert Bliss the other, but Spurs lost out to strikes from Carr, Storey, George Elliott two and a Tinsley hat-trick ensured a high-scoring home win.

Cantrell became the first scorer of an away hat-trick for the club.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Walker, Stewart Davidson, Andrew Jackson, John Haworth, George Malcolm, Thomas Storey, John Carr, George Elliott, John Cook, Walter Tinsley.
Spurs –  John Eadon, Tommy Clay, John Pearson, Findlay Weir, Harry Lowe, Bobby Steel, Ed Lightfoot, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Cantrell, Bert Middlemiss, Bert Bliss
Attendance : –  8,000

NOTE : – John Eadon and Harry Lowe make their Tottenham debuts.

A thrilling game saw six goals shared between the two sides.

Spurs scorers were Jimmy Cantrell, Ed Lightfoot and Fanny Walden, but they were pegged back by Boro’s three goals from Jackie Carr (2) and Walter Tinsley.

Teams :
Spurs –  Bill Jacques, Tommy Clay, Fred Webster, Bobby Steel, Ed Lightfoot, Jabez Darnell, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Cantrell, Jimmy Fleming, Bert Middlemiss, Bert Bliss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Walker, Stewart Davidson, Andrew Jackson, John Haworth, George Malcolm, John Carr, George Elliott, Archibald Wilson, John Cook, Walter Tinsley.
Attendance : – 15,000.

Tottenham’s visit to Ayresome Park was a fruitless one, being heavily beaten 0-6 by Middlesbrough, with Jacky Carr (2) and Walter Tinsley (2) being among the scorers.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Walker, Stewart Davidson, Andrew Jackson, John Haworth, George Malcolm, Richard Wynn, John Sterling, John Carr, George Elliott, John Cook, Walter Tinsley.
Manager : – Tom McIntosh
Spurs –  John Tate, Tommy Clay, Fred Webster, Findlay Weir, Bobby Steel, Arthur Grimsdell, Walter Tattersall, Jimmy Cantrell, Billy Minter, Bert Middlemiss, Bert Bliss
Attendance : –   22,000.

Teams :
Spurs –  John Joyce, Bill Cartwright, Fred Webster, Findlay Weir, Bobby Steel, Arthur Grimsdell, Fanny Walden, Jimmy Cantrell, Jimmy Fleming, Bert Middlemiss, Bert Bliss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, John Walker, Andrew Jackson, John Haworth, George Malcolm, Edward Verrill, John Sterling, John Carr, George Elliott, John Cook, Walter Tinsley.
Attendance : –   37,055.

Teams :
Spurs –  Tommy Lunn, Charlie Brittan, Fred Webster, Findlay Weir, Charlie Rance, Walter Tattersall, Jimmy Elliott, Billy Minter, Bert Middlesmiss, Bert Bliss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Joseph Hisbent, Alan McRobbie, Andrew Jackson, George Malcolm, Joseph Crosier, Edmund Eyre, John Sterling, John Carr, George Elliott, Jimmy Windridge.
Attendance : –   24,000

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Joseph Hisbent, James Weir, William Carr, Edward Verrill, Henry Cook, Edmund Eyre, John Sterling, Samuel Cail, George Elliott, Jimmy Windridge.
Spurs –  Tommy Lunn, Tom Collins, Fred Webster, Findlay Weir, Charlie Rance, Ed Lightfoot, Walter Tattersall, Gordon Jones, Billy Minter, Bert Middlesmiss, Bert Bliss
Attendance : –   18,000.

Teams :
Spurs –  Tommy Lunn, Charlie Brittan, Tom Collins, Charlie Rance, Bobby Steel, Ed Lightfoot, Ernest Bowering, John Curtis, Billy Minter, Bert Middlesmiss, Tom Mason
Middlesbrough –  Benjamin Davies, Donald McLeod, James Weir, Andrew Jackson, Edward Verrill, William Barker, Edmund Eyre, John Sterling, William James, Samuel Cail, George Elliott.
Attendance : –   22,000.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McLeod, James Weir, Edward Verrill, Bill Barker, Edmund Eyre, William Duguid, John Stirling, William James, Samuel G. Cail, George Elliott.
Spurs – Tommy Lunn, Tom Collins, Fred Wilkes, Frank Bentley, Danny Steel, Bobby Steel, Ed Lightfoot, Jabez Darnell, Ellis Crompton, John McTavish, Billy Minter, Bert Middlemiss
Attendance : –   15,000.

Tom Foreman’s debut was notable for a goal against Boro in this game, as Spurs racked up a hatful of goals.  Bobby Steel recorded a hat-trick and was joined on the score-sheet by Percy Humphreys and Billy Minter in a 6-2 win.

Teams :
Spurs –   Tommy Lunn, Tom Collins, Fred Wilkes, Frank Bentley, Danny Steel, Bobby Steel, Percy Humphreys, Tom Foreman, Billy Minter, John McTavish, Billy Minter
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McLeod, Alex Wardrope, James Weir, Bill Barker, William Duguid, Henry Carr, Thomas Dixon, Samuel G. Cail, William Davidson, Jimmy Nicholl.
Attendance : –  8,000

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McLeod, James Weir, Andrew Jackson, Edward Verrill, William Duguid, Robert Gibson, Fred Pentland, George Elliott, Sam McClure, Jimmy Nicholl.
Spurs –  Tommy Lunn, Bert Elkin, Ernie Coquet, Ed Birnie, Danny Steel, Jabez Darnell, Bert Gosnell, Jack Curtis, Billy Minter, Ernie Newman, Bert Middlemiss
Attendance : –   20,000

Middlesbrough ran out 4-3 winners in this First Division match at their Ayresome Park ground.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Harry Boardman, James Watson, Simon Beaton, Edward Verrill, John Jones, Fred Pentland, John Hall, Samuel G. Cail, Alf Common,  .
Spurs –   John Joyce, Ernie Coquet, Frank Bentley, Tom Morris, Danny Steel, Robert Steel, Tom Leslie, Jack Curtis, Percy Humphreys, Billy Minter, Bert Middlemiss
Attendance : –  5,000.

Teams :
Spurs –  Fred Boreham, Ernie Coquet, Ollie Burton, Danny Steel Bobby Steel, Jabez Darnell, Doug MacFarlane, John Curtis, Walter Tull, Billy Minter, Bert Middlemiss
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McLeod, James Watson, Edward Verrill, Samuel Aitken, James Thackeray, James Groves, Steve Bloomer, George Elliott, Alf Common, .
Attendance : –   23,000.

The First Round FA Cup replay was staged at White Hart Lane the week after the initial meeting and a single goal settled the tie in Tottenham’s favour.

An early chance fell to Daisy Bell right in front of goal, but somehow he contrived to miss and it allowed Spurs to compose themselves and start to gain a hold on the game.  Boro keeper Tim Williamson performed heroically to keep Tottenham out at times, but it was a late Joe Walton corner, played to the far post, that caused a melee in front of goal and Charlie O’Hagan got to the ball first to knock it into the net to see Spurs through to the Fourth Round.

Teams :
Spurs –  John Eggert, Alex Tait, John Watson, Walter Bull, Tom Morris, Jack Kirwan, John Brearley, Joe Walton, Alex Glen, Charlie O’Hagan, Vivian Woodward
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McCallum, William Agnew, Abraham Jones, Samuel Aitken, James Thackeray, Arthur Davies, Henry Astley, Robert Atherton, Joseph Cassidy, James ‘Daisy’ Bell.
Attendance : –  18,000.

A First Round FA Cup tie at Ayresome Park was the first competitive match between the two clubs and ended in a 1-1 draw.

Although Spurs were in the Southern League and Middlesbrough in the First Division, it was Tottenham who went ahead thanks to a seventh minute goal from Alex Glen.  While Boro were having a struggle in the league, they pulled level with a 37th minute goal from Henry Astley.  A replay was required, mainly thanks to Spurs keeper John Eggert, who saved a penalty from Billy Agnew right on half-time.

Teams :
Middlesbrough –  Tim Williamson, Donald McCallum, William Agnew, Abraham Jones, Samuel Aitken, James Thackeray, Arthur Davies, Henry Astley, Sandy Brown, Robert Atherton, Joseph Cassidy.
Spurs – John Eggert, Alex Tait, John Watson, Walter Bull, Tom Morris, Jack Kirwan, John Brearley, Joe Walton, Alex Glen, Charlie O’Hagan, Vivian Woodward
Attendance : –  20,340.

Teams :
Spurs –
Middlesbrough –  .
Attendance : -.